Toy puzzle.



z. MENDEL.

TOY PUZZLE.

APPLICATION FILED MAR. 20, 1911.

1,008,659. I Patented Nov. 14, 1911.

ZACHARY MENDEL, F CINCINNATI, OHIO.

TOY PUZZLE.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented Nov. 14, 1911.

Application filed March 20, 1911. Serial No. 615,504.

:Puzzle; and I do declare the following to I 'be a clear, full, and exactdescription of the invention, attention being called to the drawing which accompanies this application and forms a part thereof.

This invention relates to a device combining the features of puzzle and of a toy. The puzzle involves the use of figures for the purpose of solving a certain problem and the features of a toy are added to provide means by the manipulation of which the problem may be worked out.

In the following specification and particularly pointed out in the claims at the end thereof, will be found a full description of my invention, together with its parts and manipulation, the invention being also illustrated in the accompanying drawing, in which K Figure 1, shows in a top-view the toy arranged for manipulation for the purpose of solving the puzzle. Fig. 2, shows in a similar view appearance of the toy after the puzzle has been solved. Fig. 3, is a crosssection of Fig. 2. Fig. 4, is a side-elevation, partly in section similar to Fig. 3.

The toy is constructed with a view to perunit manufacture of it in quantities at limited cost. It involves the use of a number of markers A which by preference are in form of small balls, since this permits the use of marbles. Twenty three of such markers are provided and they are divided in two sets which are arranged to be readily distinguishable from each other, there being nine marbles in one set and fourteen in the other. A suitable way to obtain this distinction is by means of colors and accordingly one set of these markers is colored so as to appear different from the other set. In the drawing this distinction between the two sets is obtained by showing the markers of the set containing nine of them as covered by closely spaced, parallel lines which lines are left off in the other set. These markers are manipulated in connection with a holder B substantially dish-shaped, embodying a central receiver 6 and an annular ledge 7 which projects from the edge of theholder outwardly. Sockets 6 are provided on this ledge 7 and arranged around receiver 6 in a circular row, said sockets being intended and adapted to re ceive the markers, there being one socket for each marker, twenty three in all. The outer edge of ledge 7 is turned up to form a flange 8, the object of which is to prevent spilling of the markers during manipulation. The problem is to arrange the markers upon ledge 7 and around receiver, 6, using sockets b to hold them in position, in a manner that When one set of them, the plain ones in this case, is removed in a certain order, the other set of nine remains in position. Every seventh marker is to be removed, the manipulation being started by commencing to count from a certain marker, the selection and finding of which forms also a part of the problem. Counting always from one to seven only, and starting from the selected marker every seventh marker is dislodged and dropped into central receiver 6. Another series of seven is counted 011", by starting beyond the dislodged marker andthis. is followed by succeeding series of seven which are counted 0E from the remaining markers in the same manner, the counting being continued always in the same direction and without interruption all around through the row. In counting, no distinction is made between the two sets of markers, one is counted like the other one and none may be skipped at any time. Whenever a seventh marker is counted, it must always be one of the fourteen markers to be removed. None of the other markers may be removed. If at any time the seventh marker chances to be one of those which shall not be removed, the attempt to solve the problem has failed and a new start must be made with all the markers replaced. If the markers are properly placed and the start is made from the proper one the problem works out as contemplated so that, when in counting around the row the last time, the count will finish upon the last ball of the fourteen to be removed, whereby this entire set will have been eliminated from the row, leaving the other set in position as shown in Fig. 2. The preferred way of manufacture is by forming holder B out of one piece of sheet-metal, the sockets being depressed or punched out and the other parts being shaped up in a forming press. The central receptacle 6 may be used as a receiver for the markers when not in use, a lid 9 being fitted to it to retain them.

Having described my invention, I claim as new:

1. In a toy-puzzle, the combination of a number of markers arranged in two distinguishable sets, an annular ledge provided with a circular row of sockets, one for each marker, and a receiver from the upper edge of which this ledge projects outwardly and which serves to hold the set of the markers which are to be removed from the ledge in the prescribed manner as stated. a

2. In a toy-puzzle, the combination of a number of markers arranged 1n two d1stinguishable sets and a holder for them shaped up of sheet-metal so as to comprise a' two sets of distinguishable markers, one containing fourteen and the other nine of them, a support for them provided with a 1 with a circular row of sockets, one for each marker, a receiver from the upper edge of which this ledge projects outwardly and which serves to hold the set of the markers which are to be removed from the ledge in the prescribed manner as stated, and a lid fitted to close the receiver and to confine all the balls after use.

In testimony whereof, I hereunto aflix my signature in the presence of two witnesses.

'ZACHARY MENDEL.

Witnesses C. SPENGEL, FERD. ZUENKELER.

Copies of this patent may be obtained for five cents each, by addressing the Commissioner of Patents, Washington, D. G. 

